Quadrigeminal Artery

Description

Centered within the posterior cranial fossa, the quadrigeminal artery is shown coursing in the quadrigeminal cistern near the tectum of the midbrain, distributing fine arteriolar branches to the superior and inferior colliculi. Superior to this territory lie the splenium region and the tentorial surface of the cranial cavity, while inferior and slightly anterior sits the cerebellar vermis and the roof of the fourth ventricle region. Red arterial channels track along the inner table of the calvaria, with blue venous pathways paralleling them, framing the deeper posterior circulation where the quadrigeminal vessels run. Bony landmarks of the cranial vault, including sutures, foramina, the orbital apertures, and the nasal cavity, orient the viewer to midline and laterality. Damage here is rarely isolated. A hemorrhage in the quadrigeminal cistern or a posterior circulation aneurysm can irritate the dorsal midbrain and tectal region, where vascular compromise may present with vertical gaze disturbance and pupillary abnormalities, and venous congestion can complicate the picture. For neurosurgical planning, this arterial territory matters when working around the tentorial incisura and pineal region, where small perforators to the colliculi can be injured during approaches for pineal tumors or arteriovenous malformations. Small vessels. Big consequences. Use this illustration for teaching posterior circulation anatomy in neuroanatomy and head and neck courses, for atlas plates covering tectal vascular supply, and for neurosurgical or neuroradiology materials discussing quadrigeminal cistern pathology, pineal region approaches, and midbrain stroke localization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.